Chiseled Beauty

This a poem about my friend undergoing radiation and chemo treatments for esophageal cancer.

Chiseled Beauty

She is exquisite beyond description

Her eyes no longer sparkle but reflect weariness

A haunted look

Cheekbones bereft of flesh

Lines etched deep by pain and fatigue

An obligatory smile fools those who don’t see the soul

Hiding behind the eyes

A thread of a whisper

Effort leads to exhaustion

Every hair in place

Coordinated in colors

Crisply ironed

Always a fashion statement no matter how weary

loveliness among the ashes

Ashes blow away in the wind

Leaving the chiseled beauty behind.

Reviews

[DR. Vivian Blevins]

I think the theme here of the ways in which she disguises the pain, the problems, the issues by an outward appearance of "having it all together" is very well done. The descriptions are "spot on." The language is powerful, and I can see, hear, and feel it. I particularly like the ways in which the efforts to maintain the facade are so exhausting.